Goodbye High School, Hello College: Voices of accepted class of 2018

April 7, 2014

Courtesy of Kevin Lee

“I look forward to the little nuances of transferring from a small town to a big, bustling city campus — from being overwhelmed by Broadway and Wall Street and the infinitely tall skyscrapers to feeling the biting cold on my ears as I rush to class. I’m determined to make the most of my naivete before I grow accustomed to the city.”

— Amanda Tiew, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | CAS

“I am set on going even if I didn’t receive the financial help that I did, I’d still attend. NYU is a huge blessing and amazing opportunity. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
— Anthony Coronado, Yoakum, Texas | Tisch

“Since I was a kid, I always knew that I would live in the city. I felt like I was made for it. When I received my acceptance to NYU, I was beyond thrilled because I felt like I was finally beginning the rest of my life.”
— Vikas Kante, Ellicott City, Md. | Stern

“I am actually still deciding whether or not to attend because of financial factors. Being $200,000 in debt after four years doesn’t sound nearly as tantalizing as the opportunities I’d get. If it weren’t for the financial barrier, I’d be committed to NYU 100 percent in a heart beat.”
— Brianna Manley, Brainerd, Minn. | CAS

“I feel like I fell in love with the city and NYU simultaneously, the two complement each other so beautifully, and ooze a vibe that is unparalleled to any other city, or any other school.”
— Mridula Rajagopal, Hong Kong | CAS

“I literally cannot believe I got in. When I got my email I ran to my friends because it was during passing period and actually sobbed. I fell on the floor and everything, it was embarrassing, but that’s how I much this school means to me.”
— Zoe Kennedy, San Diego, Calif. | Gallatin

“NYU is the only college that matches my multi-faceted personality. Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of talking to a myriad of talented and unique individuals who are all a part of the class of 2018. At NYU, people do not care that I am a biracial gay student from Kansas. They accept me for my differences and celebrate diversity.”
— Alex Smith, Overland Park, Kan. | CAS

“When I visited NYU in the fall of my sophomore year, I felt something exceptional. It felt as if the edges of my personality that so often found themselves to be asymmetrical to my surroundings finally fit somewhere.”
— Matt Dias, Sao Paulo, Brazil | LS

“I heard the school spirit is not super present because there are no football games or one closed campus. People question my decision going to NYU because of that and honestly, I think going to NYU means you’re becoming independent.”
— Rose Katz, Arlington Heights, Ill. | Tisch

“I’m currently deciding between UC Santa Barbara or NYU. Tuition and the cost of living at NYU is a lot higher than it would be if I went to UC Santa Barbara. Honestly, if NYU was cheaper to attend, I would have already decided to go there.”— Brenda Munvie, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. | CAS

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, April 7 print edition. Michael Domanico is managing editor. Email him at mdomanico@nyunews.com.